How is the number of electoral votes for each state determined?

The number of electoral votes for each state is determined based on population, specifically the number of representatives and senators that each state has in Congress. Every state is allocated two electoral votes corresponding to its two senators, while the number of representatives is based on the state’s population as measured by the most recent census. This means that states with larger populations have more representatives and, in turn, more electoral votes, which directly influences their role in the presidential election process.

This system is designed to ensure that both population size and historical representation in Congress are considered when determining how many votes each state has in the Electoral College, thereby balancing the influence of smaller and larger states in presidential elections.